Nuno Mendes commits to PSG, Man Utd left to chase alternatives

By SABC Sport
18th January 2025

In a twist that has left Manchester United scrambling for alternatives, Nuno Mendes, who once pictured himself at Old Trafford, has decided to extend his contract with Paris Saint-Germain.

The 22-year-old Portuguese left-back, who previously worked under Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP, was considered the ideal candidate for United's left wing-back position this transfer window.

Mendes' potential transfer to Manchester United seemed promising due to his familiarity with Amorim's tactics and PSG's willingness to negotiate his sale. Reports from the i paper had earlier indicated that Mendes had only 18 months left on his current deal, and contract extension talks had stalled, making a move seem likely.

However, a change of heart has been influenced by PSG's manager, Luis Enrique, who has managed to convince Mendes to stay put in Paris.

L'Equipe reported, "Wanting to leave and then extend, Nuno Mendes well on his way to staying at PSG," highlighting Enrique's pivotal role in altering Mendes' future plans. The negotiations for a new and improved contract are now heating up, leaving Manchester United to pivot towards other prospects.

Among the alternatives, Wolves' Rayan Ait-Nouri has emerged as a prime target for United. The 23-year-old Algerian has demonstrated his capability this season with three goals and five assists in the Premier League, making him an attractive option.

However, his high valuation of around 60 million pounds might pose a challenge for United in negotiations.

Meanwhile, United are looking to offload players to make room for new signings. Tyrell Malacia, who has been given the green light to leave United this month, is reportedly on Juventus's radar for a potential loan with an option to buy, as per updates from CaughtOffside and TuttoJuve. This move could help United in their quest to sign a new left-back.

In other transfer news, Chelsea have entered the fray for United's young star Alejandro Garnacho. Despite United rejecting a 40 million pounds offer from Napoli, Chelsea have made enquiries, with Garnacho potentially viewing the move as a stepping stone towards his ultimate goal of playing for Real Madrid, according to various media reports.

On the flip side, options for Marcus Rashford are narrowing. With Juventus focusing on a loan deal for Randal Kolo Muani and AC Milan in talks with Kyle Walker, Rashford's prospects of moving to these clubs diminish. His preference leans towards Barcelona, but they need to offload players to accommodate his substantial salary within their squad limits.

This transfer window has proven to be a dynamic period for Manchester United, requiring strategic adjustments as they navigate through the unexpected and the complexities of the transfer market.